Odessa, TX Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing article
- Article 3-10, Odessa Code of Ordinances
- Enforcement body
- Board of Survey (5 members)
- Compliance deadline
- 30 days, extendable to 90 days
- Non-compliance remedy
- City may demolish and file a lien
- Appeal option
- De novo review by municipal court judge
Summary
Odessa can order vacation, repair, or demolition of any building that's dilapidated, unsafe, or unsecured from trespassers, enforced by the Board of Survey under Article 3-10 of the city code.
(c) Buildings within the terms of subsection (d) of this section shall be considered "dangerous buildings" and are hereby declared a nuisance. (d) The city may require the vacation, securing, repair, removal or demolition of a building that is: (1) Dilapidated, substandard or unfit for human habitation and a hazard to public health, safety and welfare;
Full Breakdown
The dangerous building official inspects any structure suspected of being dilapidated, substandard, unfit for habitation, or unsecured against trespassers, then refers it to the city's five-member Board of Survey. After a public hearing, the board orders the owner to secure, repair, remove, or demolish the building within 30 days, extendable to 90 days with a documented work plan. If the owner doesn't comply, Odessa can do the work itself and place a lien against the property to recover its costs. Owners can appeal an order for de novo review before a municipal court judge.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance lets the city secure, repair, remove, or demolish the building at the owner's expense, with a lien filed against the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building 'dangerous' under Odessa's code?
How long does an owner have to fix a dangerous building?
Who enforces Odessa's dangerous building rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Odessa
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Odessa to another location·View the Texas property maintenance overview
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